Archive for the ‘Organizing’ Category

I am often asked if I believe in using those vacuüm seal storage bags you see on infomercials (space bags). Most do not work well. If you finally do get them to seal up, the seal will likely break open and you may unfortunately finds your linens or other contents have “exploded” into your storage area.

Clear PEVA Storage Chests

As an option, I love the PEVA Clear Storage Containers from The Container Store.

they are clear so that you can see the contents of your bag;

the zippers are durable so that the contents may be removed &
replaced time after time;

they have handles on each side for ease of use;

they come in 3 different sizes;

they are affordable $7.99 – $9.99 each;

they will stack on top of one another on shelves or fit nicely as under-bed storage.

I store extra linens in this way: comforter or sleeping bag / blanket / sheets / pillow — all in one bag. This way, when we have “overflow” company at the holidays (more than will fit into our 3 extra guest rooms) and we need to utilize sofas and bring out the air mattresses for sleeping, I can simply pull out one storage chest for each guest. So easy!

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes this special impact made by outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners. In 2011, National Small Business Week will honor the estimated 27.2MILLION small businesses in America. Small businesses are major contributors to the strength of the American economy. More than half of Americanseither own or work for a small business. According to the Small Business Administration, they also create 60-80 percent of new jobs in the country. Yes, you read that correctly: 60 – 80 PERCENT. I didn’t make it up. That number came direct from the Small Business Administration’s website. Politicians, are you listening? Those are numbers we can sink our teeth into. Additionally, small businesses drive innovation and increase U.S. competitiveness. Small businesses ARE are the BACKBONE of this country.

As a Professional Organizer, I am passionate about my small business clients and moving them to the next level of success. If you are ready to move your business forward, contact me to help you!

Ask any person who is in direct sales why they do it, and they will usually tell you they are passionate about their particular product. It is what originally enticed them to the business as a consumer; then came learning they could actually do “this” as a business and make money at it. Somewhere from that first spark of passion to their time in business, most struggle with actually running their businesses and earning what they expected. There are a ton of direct sales companies out there. Here are just a few:

As an organizer who specializes in helping clients with their paperwork, I often see insides the lives of these very talented people . The problem is certainly not with their chosen line of products. Most of the products are fantastic products which are priced reasonably; the companies themselves are well-known, reputable, and well-respected; and with many, the company itself has invested a great deal in marketing and advertising. The rate-limiting step is, quite simply, organization. Take heart, however, the problem is not with you. Most of these businesses are paper-driven businesses with a plethora of forms, brochures, product announcements, price sheets, product information sheets; you name it. It can be absolutely overwhelming! Each person trying to run this type of business wears many hats, to say the least: that of trying to run a “storefront” with products on hand, being the sales person, office manager, and bookkeeper, at a minimum.

Working with clients in these types of businesses, I have successfully put into place systems which help them to run their businesses so that they can focus on what they do best: selling the products they are passion about. I typically hear, “Now, I can really do this!”

Whether you are have been in a direct sales business for a while, you are a newbie to this type of career or are thinking of dipping your toe in the water, being organized is an absolute must. If you want to win at this type of business, start with GETTING ORGANIZED! Then SALE ON, SALE ON, my friends.

Getting fit, dieting, and getting organized make the top New Year’s resolutions EVERY year! If any of those were on your list and you’ve sidetracked a bit; take heart, it’s only February and you can easily get back on track!

I was presenting to a delightful group of ladies just recently. It was on the coldest day of the year thus far, and yet all these women had turned out to learn about more about organizing. Moreover, this group had just finished their regular exercise together at a local church’s facility. When I asked them how often they exercise together, they replied: 3 times a week, and they have been doing it as a group for years! Just for the record, the youngest in the group is about age 50. Let me tell you folks, this was a group of “hot” looking women. They had figures and shapes that would defy those of many 20-year olds! Fitness is not defined by age.

Interestingly, organizing and getting fit have a lot in common, I explained to them:

Both are a lifestyle change.You make a decision to exercise and get fit. You must also make a decision to get organized. Change is not easy, but it is good! You can make a choice to change and start living a more simple and organized life.

Both can be learned.Despite the routine school of thought, people are not “born with the organizing gene.” I was not always organized. I learned as a young mom that when I was more organized, everything else went more smoothly in our home and we all had more peace. I’m still a work in progress and make a commitment to it each day! Organization is a skill which can be learned. Just like learning a new exercise routine, you can learn organizing skills which you can apply in every aspect of your life.

Both have to be maintained.You don’t exercise one time and your muscles are fit. The same goes with organizing a space, however, most folks seem to think of organizing as a one-time fix. You don’t clean your house or office one time and never have to do it again. Lots of living and activity go on in a house and office. For those of you who wanted to hear there was a “magic wand fix,” I apologize for bursting your bubble here.

Both can be better when done with a friend.These ladies gather together for their exercise because they support and encourage one another in a variety of ways. Encouragement: It is one of the most powerful words I know. Having someone to help and support you in your organizing efforts will ensure success.

You can have setbacks in both. “Practice makes…better,” is the mantra of our friend and beloved Pastor, Bobby Vitek. You will have days where you have interruptions in your fitness schedule and things that deter you from your organizing goals. Organization is NOT about perfection; it is about simple, sensible solutions for real people in everyday life.

The results are rewarding. The results of getting fit: feeling better, looking better, better health numbers where it counts (i.e. cholesterol), reducing stress, getting those endorphins pumping, and then later, sleeping better. The results of getting organized: peace of mind, reducing stress, reducing mental clutter, being able to enjoy your space, finding things when you need them, productivity, and saving money. What would getting (more) organized do for you? You fill in the blank: ________.

I was watching Good Morning America early this Valentine’s Morning and was surprised to see that some folks are SO busy they are even hiring services such as EFlirt to outsource crafting their flirtatious emails to potential on-line dating suitors. I was laughing to myself, thinking, “…if you don’t have time to craft an email to a potential suitor, do you think you are going to have the actual time it takes to do the work of making a relationship work?” Seriously! But I suppose it is a symptom of the frenetically busy lives we all lead.

That said, dear readers, in our crazy busy world, besides child care (which is a given that all parents need a break now and then), what all do YOU outsource or seek outside help with? I would love your feedback!

One of my strengths is realizing I can’t do it all. Thankfully, I have over 4,000 other Professional Organizers in NAPO to network and resource with through a variety of means. As veteran organizer, Barbara Hemphill notably says, “Together we are better!”

I wanted to share some sites I refer to for information. Of course, I admit to being a Container Store junkie and they have fantastic tips & advice on their site, http://www.containerstore.com but here are a few other favs:

Best for pretty desktop items. The “life organization”” section of this site has all sorts of list-makers. SeeJaneWork.com http://www.seejanework.com

So often I hear feedback from my clients, “My best friend could really use your services.” “My husband needs your services at his office!” “I have a family member who has expressed an interest in your services, but cost may be an issue; can I buy them a gift certificate for your services?”

The other thing I hear is, “I know you helped to organize my friend. I’d rather have a gift certificate for your services more than anything!” SANTA BABY, HERE’S YOUR CUE!

The Holiday Season is upon us! In these economic times, consumers are looking for interesting, helpful, and wise purchases for their gift recipients.

Rather than buying a gift that may become yet more clutter in someone’s space, consider giving one that will relieve stress and take away the feeling of overwhelm.

Instead of making a trip to the mall and dealing with crowds and long lines, why not give something that is functional and useful?

Inspire family, friends, and loved ones to organize their living areas, working areas, spaces, and lives! Give the Gift of Organization!

Contact me and we will personalize a Gift Certificate!

Helpful Guidelines on Giving the Gift – Thoughts from The Organizer

Now that I’ve made the suggestion of giving the Gift of Organization, I do feel the need to share some helpful tips on giving a gift such as this:

Folks who look like they could use the services of a professional organizer might be perfectly happy with their current state of affairs. Or they might not be quite ready to think about decluttering. They could be insulted by the suggestion, which is an awful reaction to a gift.

It’s not unlike giving someone who needs to lose a few pounds or firm up a bit a gift certificate to a gym. If the gift recipient has been dying to join a gym but just can’t afford it, the gift will likely be received with great enthusiasm (particularly if the gift giver has gone out of his or her way to find just the right gym). However, if that gym membership might be received with a “Are you saying I’m fat?” response from your recipient, think well before giving.

If your friend or family member has expressed out load they are ready for change and would love to have some help, then they are the perfect candidate for a gift certificate for organizing.

The Gift of Organization IS truly a gift, but if you want your gift to be received well, and to truly be helpful, be certain it will be welcomed with open arms.

We just had another successful Client Appreciation Dinner for my husband’s Edward Jones office in Llano, Texas! The evening included an entire community hall full of people who dined well on a Mexican buffet and scrumptious desserts. Lots of great fellowship was shared and all attending heard how the market is going to get stronger in the coming months (it is, you know!).

In the 10 years Archie has been with Edward Jones, we have entertained lots of customers and put on lots of events! How does it all get done, done well, while sticking to a planned budget? I stress budget because truthfully, anyone can put on events with the myriad of options available in our world today, but doing it on a tight budget is a totally different thing.

The answer: Planning. Lists. Work, yes; but each time notes and lists are used, the work becomes easier! One tool I have found which I really love is ListPlanIt. As a proud Professional Member of ListPlanit, I have access to a plethora of planning lists! Check out the over 500 lists they have available:

As we work together on our next organizing project, let me know if you are in need of a list to help you. Whether you are planning your upcoming Holiday Meal or simply your family’s meal plan and grocery list, lists help save time AND money!

Did you know that December is officially National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month? Here are 4 basic tips suggested in an article from Web MD. Then continue to read on for the complete article to have a more peaceful & happy Holiday Season!

If you need help with your Holiday Planning or Decluttering your Holiday Spaces, call your favorite Professional Organizer today!

Whether you are a linear list maker or prefer mind mapping (search the web for a variety of creative tools), get it off your mind and out of your brain. You will then be free to begin tackling all of those tasks and to-dos and find yourself free for creativity!